Sfiso Brian Ngalo saw a gap in the everyday hustle. People had places to be, but did not always have the time to keep their sneakers clean. That simple observation led to the birth of Skhokho Fam, a sneaker-cleaning business that began with nothing but determination and a few cleaning supplies.

Ngalo started the business in 2021, after losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic. With no income and mounting responsibilities, he leaned into what he knew best… Cleaning sneakers. “My own sneakers were always clean and I had the knowledge of how to keep them clean. So, I thought, ‘Why not do it to make money?’. I just had to make it work.”

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Little did he know that within four years the business would grow to employ four people, but the road was not without missteps. “I ruined people’s shoes a couple of times. I had to pay for about five pairs over the years. Three years ago, we lost someone’s expensive sneakers, I had to pay for them to protect my business.”

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Despite setbacks, Ngalo remained committed to learning and improving. Today, Skhokho Fam offers more than just cleaning services; it is a space for sneaker education and care. “I don’t just clean. I educate my clients about their sneakers. Almost every day, we get a new client we don’t know. Maybe one client a day,” he said, reflecting on the steady growth of his customer base.

He attributes his success to consistency, courage, and a refusal to give up. “I had doubts sometimes, but now, looking back, I’m proud. It all boils down to consistency, commitment, and courage.”

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